X-Ray Technology

When Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa he had no idea that his Sfumato technique would be uncovered through x-ray spectrometry. Or did he?

Since 1895, the x-ray has evolved from the accidental discovery by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen to serve a much greater field including medicine, aerodynamics and even the arts. Advancements in radiology, specifically fluorescent spectrometry, enabled art historians to confirm Leonardo da Vinci’s Sfumato technique as the means of creating the Mona Lisa.

For the non art historians, Sfumato is the mixing of thin layers of pigment, oil and glaze to create detailed shadows. What made Leonardo a master at his craft was his use of 30 layers of paint, which only resulted in 40 micrometers of paint (less than half the width of human hair). Without x-ray spectrometry, scientists would not have been able to see each layer of paint clearly.

Processing these discoveries is no longer dependent on film and wet methods, but has moved into the digital world with lighter and more robust field x-ray units using digital computed radiography.

Best-in-Class X-Ray Technology:

• Offer radiology-specific functions such as 3D rendering and MIP/MPR
• X-Ray software supports industry standards such as IHE, DICOM and HL7
• Able to easily access images and notes from off-site locations with an internet connection

Top Considerations before buying X-Ray Technology:
It is important to make sure that hardware is configured to work with the x-ray software. The providers should have tested it under real-world conditions and should be prepared to offer an on-sight demonstration. Your vendor should also have a good radiology information system (RIS) and picture archiving and communication system (PACS) training, implementation and support program for your staff.
 
Key Providers:

1. Toshiba America Medical Systems' RADREX-i utilizes advanced hardware and software to enhance workflow and productivity of imaging. Standard features include auto-tracking, auto-center stop and all free grip. Toshiba reports that it “developed one of the world's first X-ray machines in 1932.” Toshiba Corp. is a provider of diagnostic medical imaging systems like CT, Cath & EP Labs, X-ray, Ultrasound, MRI and information systems to health related industries around the world.

2. GE’s Interventional Innova 3131 X-Ray system and OEC mobile C-Arm allows physicians to perform a wide variety of radiological procedures. Dual 30-cm square detector panels provide flexibility in cardiovascular and neuro radiology imaging needs. Subtracted fluoroscopy quickly and seamlessly tracks guidewires, coil wires, biopsy needles and other small devices without using contrast dye injections. The Innova system offers GPS navigation as well, to manipulate and move through 3d images tableside. You can easily synchronize the 3D image to the gantry position for faster and more precise procedures.

3. United Radiology Systems, Inc.'s (URS) PXM-20 BT and PXM-40BT for veterinarians are compact and lightweight battery-powered, cordless, portable X-ray units that utilize micro technology and a powerful lithium-ion battery, which can deliver up to 3000 mAs of power without having to be recharged. The XP-16HF Micro Portable, designed for equine veterinarians, weighs only 13.8 lb. Its dual laser focuses on the center of X-ray film at a 26 inch preset SID. The company describes the PXP-16HF as "the lightest, smartest and most durable X-ray unit in the world."

4. Hudson Digital Systems’ solutions include veterinary digital radiography and PACS. What sets Hudson apart is that its solutions combine in-house technology with what it believes are the “best technologies from around the world:” customized software is in-house, low-dose charge couples devices are from Russia-based DIRA, low-dose silicon flat panel detectors from France-based Thales Electron Devices, computed radiography products from Fujifilm, Custom image processing modules from Swedish-based ContextVision, radiography/x-ray system components from European and USA-based Control-X Medical. This company, head-quartered in West Paterson NJ, serves “the technologically progressive veterinary market.”

X-Ray Technology
Definition: X-Ray Technology refers to the encompassing X -ray imaging system consisting of a X-ray source or generator, an image detection system which can be either a film (analog technology) or a digital capture system, and a PACS.